Baltic Outlook December 2018 | Page 124

PROMO / December Publicity photos Welcome to MAGNETIC LATVIA! The Magnetic Latvia Business Information Centre is located in departure section C Open: every day, from 10:00 to 19:00 Tel.: +371 62400603 e-mail: [email protected] magneticlatvia.lv 122 / airBaltic.com When your flight plans take you to sector C at Riga International Airport, stop by the Magnetic Latvia Business Informa- tion Centre, where the Investment and Development Agency of Latvia (LIAA) has created a space where you can not only learn more about Latvia, but also hold business meetings or presentations. The centre is especially convenient for travellers who have to spend quite some time at the airport before their flight. Interior architect Zane Tetere- Šulce has created a relaxed atmosphere by way of tree silhouettes that reflect the Latvian landscape, with two directly adjacent seminar rooms for meetings and presentations. Magnetic Latvia was created for tourists coming to Latvia for leisure, as well as for potential investors and business partners from foreign companies who are passing through the airport during their business travels. ‘The airport is our country’s front porch’, says Andris Ozols, Director of LIAA. ‘Many years ago, visitors would cross our borders by horse and wagon – now they fly in. A state’s administration needs to be modern, and in my opinion, the Magnetic Latvia Business Informa- tion Centre at Riga International Airport is a tastefully constructed showcase of Latvia’s abilities and achievements. Neither the Estonians, the Lithuanians, nor the Germans have anything like it. At Magnetic Latvia, visitors to Latvia can see the high-level services we provide in the fields of IT, tourism, science and de- sign, as well as learn about what it is that we produce. Many people don’t realise that Latvia is among the top-rated coun- tries in a number of fields and specialties.’ Businesspeople from both Latvia and abroad who find themselves at the airport while ‘in transit’ are invited to make use of the opportunity to organise meetings without having to leave the premises and head into the city. Magnetic Latvia is open to anyone who wishes to use it as an office that is equipped with free high- speed internet access. Local producers are encouraged to meet with potential in- vestors and clients to discuss export pos- sibilities and view presentations using the centre’s 3x10-metre-large screen. Every day, from 10:00 to 19:00, LIAA staff are on hand to provide information on Latvia, cooperative business opportunities, and interesting sights to see while in Latvia. It is also possible to make an appointment to meet with LIAA specialists in a variety of fields and get the lat- est in-depth information on various business topics: investments, innovations, state support programmes, and so on. If you frequently travel through Riga International Airport, be aware of the fact that the Magnetic Latvia centre undergoes regular transforma- tions! Not only are the objects on view periodi- cally changed, but every month there are new and seasonal presentations about what makes Latvia special. For instance, in April, the focus is on birch sap – local producers of the healthful drink come to show their products, as well as to give interactive presentations on how the traditional process of sap collecting takes place. December is literature month, when visitors can sip on linden-blossom tea and leaf through one of 120 books written by Latvians and translated into 25 different languages. Or, take a few moments to relax in the ‘audio shower’ – simply sit under the falling ‘rain’ of sound and listen to one of ten poems authored by a Latvian and translated into English. On the screen located on the back wall of the centre, you can watch films and video clips about Latvia and its tourism, people, art, culture and business advantages, in addition to live broadcasts of notable events, such as various sporting events and celebrations. Thanks to the centre, many travellers have enjoyed spending their waiting time watching Latvia’s centenary celebrations, song festivals, and other special events. The space housing the centre was also designed to showcase the range of products offered by Latvian manufacturers – everything within it, from the interior decor and furniture to the roasted coffee beans and the cups the coffee is served in, has been made in Latvia. For your convenience, a wide range of printed information about Latvia is available, as well as a children’s play corner with books by Latvian authors and toys manufactured in Latvia, such as the now legendary ROO rocking horse. Magnetic Latvia encourages Latvian manufacturers to show their products to airport visitors. There are no restrictions on the choice of products shown – the only require- ment is that it is produced in Latvia. It is possible for producers to not only show the physical items that they manufacture, but to also give out information on their products via booklets, video screens or other vi- sual aids; it is only requested that these aids conform with the general ambience of Magnetic Latvia. Visitors to Magnetic Latvia have become especially fond of the opportunity to send one of Magnetic Latvia’s postcards to their loved ones while they’re waiting to board their plane. You can get the cards and the appropriate postage stamps right there at the centre, then drop your filled-out postcard into the Latvijas Pasts mailbox provided. Located in a departure sector of the airport, Magnetic Latvia invites travellers to take a moment to say good-bye to Latvia on a positive note, while at the same time, provides a modern and safe work environment for those who are invariably busy and always on the go. Baltic Outlook / 2018 / 123